In the journey of faith, we often grapple with our identity and the choices we make in our daily lives. The story of the eagle raised among chickens serves as a powerful metaphor for the transformative power of faith. This blog explores the implications of living as spiritual "chickens" when we are called to soar as "eagles." It emphasizes the importance of recognizing our true identity in Christ and the necessity of living in obedience to Him.

The Story of the Eagle and the Chickens

Once upon a time, an eagle fell from its nest and was discovered by a farmer. The farmer took the eagle to his barnyard, where it was raised among chickens. Over time, the eagle began to mimic the chickens, pecking at the ground and living a mundane life. Although he was an eagle by nature, he behaved like a chicken.

One day, a naturalist visited the farm and expressed disbelief that the eagle thought it was a chicken. With the farmer's permission, the naturalist attempted to show the eagle its true identity. He placed the eagle on a fence post and encouraged it to fly. However, the eagle looked down at the chickens and returned to the ground.

The next day, the naturalist took the eagle to a higher spot and urged it to fly again. Still, the eagle chose to return to the familiar ground. Finally, the naturalist took the eagle to a mountaintop, away from the chickens. There, with a clear view of the sky, the eagle spread its wings and soared into the heavens.

Understanding Our Identity in Christ

This story serves as a poignant reminder that while we may start as "chickens," through faith in Christ, we are transformed into "eagles." Many believers live defeated lives, feeling as if they have not changed since accepting Christ. They continue to indulge in sin, acting like chickens instead of soaring like eagles. The goal is to challenge ourselves to recognize our identity in Christ and embrace the life He offers.

The Call to Obedience

In the Christian faith, we often hear about grace and forgiveness, but we must also understand the call to obedience. The church has sometimes failed to communicate that following Jesus involves more than just believing; it requires action and commitment. We cannot claim to follow Jesus while living in disobedience.

In Romans 6:15-23, Paul emphasizes that we are either slaves to sin or slaves to obedience. There is no neutral ground. By choosing to obey God, we align ourselves with righteousness and step into the abundant life Jesus offers. Sin leads to death, but obedience leads to life.

Two Masters: Sin and Righteousness

Paul makes it clear that if we offer ourselves as slaves to sin, we will reap the consequences of that choice. Conversely, if we present ourselves as slaves to God, we will experience the fruit of righteousness. It’s crucial to recognize that both choices come with distinct outcomes.

• Slave to Sin: This path leads to death and destruction. When we indulge in sin, we are ultimately serving a master that seeks to harm us.
• Slave to Obedience: This choice leads to righteousness, sanctification, and eternal life. By obeying God, we experience true freedom and fulfillment.

The Power of the Holy Spirit

As believers, we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, empowering us to choose righteousness over sin. However, we often forget this power and choose to live in our old ways. The struggle against sin is real, but we have the resources to overcome it.

We must be intentional about our choices. When tempted to sin, we can call upon the Holy Spirit to help us resist. Instead of allowing sin to reign in our lives, we need to surrender ourselves fully to God and His purposes for us.

Living as God's Masterpiece

In Ephesians 2:10, we are reminded that we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. This identity is not just a title; it is a call to action. God does not make junk; we are His masterpieces, meant to reflect His glory.

When we live in obedience to God, we fulfill our intended purpose. Just as a chair is meant to be sat upon, we are meant to live out our faith in tangible ways. This means embracing the process of sanctification, which involves continually laying down our old selves and stepping into the new life God has for us.

Reflecting on Our Choices

It's essential to pause and reflect on our lives. Are we living as eagles or chickens? Are we embracing our identity in Christ, or are we returning to the familiar ground of sin? Paul challenges us to consider the fruit of our lives and the outcomes of our choices.

What are the areas in your life where you have been compromising? Are there secret sins you are holding onto? God calls us to surrender these to Him, allowing Him to chisel away the parts of us that do not reflect His image.

The Journey of Transformation

Transformation is not an overnight process; it is a journey. As we yield to the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, we will begin to see changes. We will start to desire the things of God more than the things of this world. This journey involves both a point of decision and a process of ongoing growth.

We may not see ourselves as masterpieces every day, but we must remember that God sees us as such. He is committed to shaping us into the image of His Son, and this requires our cooperation.

Conclusion: Choosing to Soar

As we conclude, let us remember that we have a choice. We can continue to live as chickens, trapped in sin, or we can embrace our identity as eagles, soaring in the freedom and grace of God. The decision lies with us. Are we willing to let go of the familiar and step into the fullness of life that God offers?

Let us choose to live as God's original masterpieces, fully surrendered to Him, ready to fly high in obedience and righteousness. It's time to stop living as slaves to sin and start living as slaves to God, experiencing the abundant life He has promised.